Chelsea Center

Each summer, regional institutions offer selective programs geared for high school students to pursue their interests and goals. Two popular programs with application deadlines approaching are MOBOT’s Shaw Institute for Field Training (SIFT) and Mercy Hospital’s Teens Learning in Community (TLC).

The SIFT program engages 10th and 11th graders in immersive experiences in the environmental sciences. Over the course of 11 months, students build research skills, gain first-hand experience with careers in environmental sciences, and develop a professional network in the St. Louis area. SIFT kicks off with an intense week of summer training at Shaw Nature Reserve, after which students can earn a stipend by participating in various field programs featuring everything from prescribed fire, to bird banding, to fungal surveys. SIFT students gain a broad understanding of what it means to work as environmental scientists while they narrow their focus for future college and career opportunities. SIFT applications are due February 14.

The Mercy Hospital TLC program offers students a look into a variety of health care roles and hospital departments while fostering a commitment to service. Students spend each day helping Mercy staff care for patients and visitors, experience many parts of the hospital, interact with healthcare workers and therapists, attend lunch & learn lectures on advanced medical topics, and get advice on college planning. Students participate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 9 - July 30. Mercy TLC applications are due February 9.

The Chelsea Center Summer School program is able to work with students individually to pair their participation and attendance at an experience like SIFT or Mercy TLC with reflective coursework to create eligibility for WGHS academic elective credit to be earned. Students can find further details and application links through their GivePulse accounts or stop by anytime for assistance!

Reminder: We can help students who are pursuing their A+ hours find connections to service learning that include the mentorship or job shadowing components the A+ program requires. Have your students stop by to talk with us, or independently explore their GivePulse account opportunity listings at wgsd.givepulse.com.

For more information please contact Dr. Kerry Arens, Coordinator of the Chelsea Center:

Email: arens.kerry@wgmail.org
Website: https://hs.webster.k12.mo.us/programs/chelsea-center
Location: Webster Groves High School, Room 200
Phone: (314) 918-4181